Novel processes for the preparation of cyclopropyl-amide derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to novel processes for the preparation of cyclopropyl-amide derivatives, useful for the treatment of disorders and conditions mediated by the histamine receptor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/731,725 filed on Oct. 31, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of cyclopropyl-amine derivatives, useful for the treatment of disorders and conditions mediated by the histamine receptor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

US Patent Application Publication 2004-0110746 A1, published Apr. 21, 2005 (also published as PCT Publication WO 04/037801, May 6, 2004), which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses novel piperazinyl and diazepanyl benzamide derivatives useful for the treatment of histamine receptor mediated disorders. More specifically, the compounds are useful for the treatment of disorders and conditions mediated by the H₃ receptor. More particularly, the compounds are useful for treating or preventing neurologic disorders including sleep/wake and arousal/vigilance disorders (e.g. insomnia and jet lag), attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), learning and memory disorders, cognitive dysfunction, migraine, neurogenic inflammation, dementia, mild cognitive impairment (pre-dementia), Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, narcolepsy, eating disorders, obesity, motion sickness, vertigo, schizophrenia, substance abuse, bipolar disorders, manic disorders and depression, as well as other histamine H₃ receptor mediated disorders such as upper airway allergic response, asthma, itch, nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis in a subject in need thereof. For example, methods for preventing, inhibiting the progression of, or treating upper airway allergic response, asthma, itch, nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis.

US Patent Application Publication 2004-0110746 A1, published Apr. 21, 2005 (also published as PCT Publication WO 04/037801, May 6, 2004) discloses a process for the preparation of the piperazinyl and diazepanyl benzamides. There remains a need for processes for the preparation of piperazinyl and diazepanyl benzamide derivatives that are suitable for large scale/commercial applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is further directed to a process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II)

and enantiomers, diastereomers, hydrates, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters and amides thereof;

wherein

p is an integer selected from 1 or 2;

R¹⁴ is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C₁₋₆alkyl;

q is an integer selected from 0, 1 or 2;

each R¹³ is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and halo;

R¹¹ is —H or is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a);

each R^(a) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, fluoro, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and —NR^(b)R^(c);

R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(b) and R^(c) taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring, said ring optionally substituted with halo, —C₁₋₄alkyl, —OH, or —OC₁₋₆alkyl;

R¹² is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a);

alternatively, R¹¹ and R¹² taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(d);

each R^(d) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₄alkyl, halo, —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —C₁₋₄alkylOH, and —NR^(e)R^(f); wherein R^(e) and R^(f) are independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl;

comprising

reacting a compound of formula (XX); in a first organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXI), wherein L is a leaving group; and wherein the compound of formula (XXI) is not isolated;

reacting the compound of formula (XXI) with a compound of formula (XXII); in the presence of an organic or inorganic base; in a second organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIII); wherein the compound of formula (XXIII) is not isolated;

and reacting the compound of formula (XXIII) with a compound of formula (XXIV); in the presence of a reducing agent; in a third organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).

The present invention is further to an alternate process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II)

and enantiomers, diastereomers, hydrates, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters and amides thereof;

wherein

p is an integer selected from 1 or 2;

R¹⁴ is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C₁₋₆alkyl;

q is an integer selected from 0, 1 or 2;

each R¹³ is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and halo;

R¹¹ is —H or is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a);

each R^(a) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, fluoro, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and —NR^(b)R^(c);

R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(b) and R^(c) taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring, said ring optionally substituted with halo, —C₁₋₄alkyl, —OH, or —OC₁₋₆alkyl;

R¹² is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a);

alternatively, R¹¹ and R¹² taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(d);

each R^(d) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₄alkyl, halo, —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —C₁₋₄alkylOH, and —NR^(e)R^(f); wherein R^(e) and R^(f) are independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl;

comprising

reacting a compound of formula (XXIII) with source of bisulfite; in a polar organic solvent; to yield the corresponding bisulfite, the compound of formula (XXVII);

and reacting the compound of formula (XXVII) with a compound of formula (XXIV); in the presence of a reducing agent; in the presence of an organic or inorganic base; in an organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).

The present invention is further directed to an alternate process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II)

and enantiomers, diastereomers, hydrates, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters and amides thereof;

wherein

p is an integer selected from 1 or 2;

R¹⁴ is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C₁₋₆alkyl;

q is an integer selected from 0, 1 or 2;

each R¹³ is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and halo;

R¹¹ is —H or is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a);

each R^(a) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, fluoro, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and —NR^(b)R^(c);

R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(b) and R^(c) taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring, said ring optionally substituted with halo, —C₁₋₄alkyl, —OH, or —OC₁₋₆alkyl;

R¹² is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a);

alternatively, R¹¹ and R¹² taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(d);

each R^(d) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₄alkyl, halo, —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —C₁₋₄alkylOH, and —NR^(e)R^(f); wherein R^(e) and R^(f) are independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl;

comprising

reacting a compound of formula (XXIII) with source of bisulfite; in a polar organic solvent; to yield the corresponding bisulfite, the compound of formula (XXVII);

reacting the compound of formula (XXVII) with an organic or inorganic base; in an organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIII);

and reacting the compound of formula (XXIII) with a compound of formula (XXIV); in the presence of a reducing agent; in an organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of a compound of formula (IIs)

also known as (4-cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably the di-hydrochloride salt.

The present invention is further directed to a product prepared according to any of the processed described herein.

Illustrative of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a product prepared according to any of the processes described herein. An illustration of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition made by mixing a product prepared according to any of the processes described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Illustrating the invention is a process for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising mixing a product prepared according to any of the processes described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Exemplifying the invention are methods of treating a disorder mediated by histamine, preferably, the H₃ histamine receptor, (selected from the group consisting of neurologic disorders including sleep/wake and arousal/vigilance disorders (e.g. insomnia and jet lag), attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), learning and memory disorders, cognitive dysfunction, migraine, neurogenic inflammation, dementia, mild cognitive impairment (pre-dementia), Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, narcolepsy, eating disorders, obesity, motion sickness, vertigo, schizophrenia, substance abuse, bipolar disorders, manic disorders and depression, as well as other histamine H₃ receptor mediated disorders such as upper airway allergic response, asthma, itch, nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis) comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of a products prepared according to any of the processes described herein or a pharmaceutical composition as described above.

Another example of the invention is the use of a product prepared according to any of the processes described herein in the preparation of a medicament for treating: (a) a sleep/wake disorder, (b) an arousal/vigilance disorders, (c) insomnia, (d) jet lag, (e) attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), (f) a learning disorder, (g) a memory disorder, (h) cognitive dysfunction, (i) migraine, (j) neurogenic inflammation, (k) dementia, (l) mild cognitive impairment (pre-dementia), (m) Alzheimer's disease, (n) epilepsy, (o) narcolepsy, (p) an eating disorder, (q) obesity, (r) motion sickness, (s) vertigo, (t) schizophrenia, (u) substance abuse, (v) bipolar disorder, (w) manic disorder, (x) depression, (y) upper airway allergic response, (z) asthma, (aa) itch, (bb) nasal congestion or (cc) allergic rhinitis, in a subject in need thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II)

wherein p, R¹⁴, q, R¹³, R¹¹ and R¹² are as herein defined, useful for the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by a histamine receptor.

As used herein, the terms “including”, “containing” and “comprising” are used herein in their open, non-limiting sense.

The term “alkyl” refers to a straight- or branched-chain alkyl group having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms in the chain. Exemplary alkyl groups include methyl (Me, which also may be structurally depicted by “/”), ethyl (Et), n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl (tBu), pentyl, isopentyl, tert-pentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, and the like.

The term “alkylene” refers to a divalent straight- or branched-chain alkyl group having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms in the chain. Exemplary alkylene groups include methylene, ethylene, propylene, and the like.

The term “alkenyl” refers to a straight- or branched-chain alkenyl group having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms in the chain. (The double bond of the alkenyl group is formed by two sp² hybridized carbon atoms.) Illustrative alkenyl groups include prop-2-enyl, but-2-enyl, but-3-enyl, 2-methylprop-2-enyl, hex-2-enyl, and the like.

The term “alkynyl” refers to a straight- or branched-chain alkynyl group having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms in the chain. (The triple bond of the alkynyl group is formed by two sp hybridized carbon atoms.) Illustrative alkynyl groups include prop-2-ynyl, but-2-ynyl, but-3-ynyl, 2-methylbut-2-ynyl, hex-2-ynyl, and the like.

The term “aryl” refers to a monocyclic, or fused or spiro polycyclic, aromatic carbocycle (ring structure having ring atoms that are all carbon) having from 3 to 12 ring atoms per ring. (Carbon atoms in aryl groups are sp² hybridized.) Illustrative examples of aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, and the like.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to a monocyclic, or fused bicyclic or polycyclic, aromatic heterocycle (ring structure having ring atoms selected from carbon atoms as well as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur heteroatoms) having from 3 to 12 ring atoms per ring. Illustrative examples of heteroaryl groups include the following moieties:

and the like.

The term “cycloalkyl” refers to a saturated or partially saturated, monocyclic or fused or spiro polycyclic, carbocycle having from 3 to 12 ring atoms per ring. Illustrative examples of cycloalkyl groups include the following moieties:

and the like.

A “heterocycloalkyl” refers to a monocyclic, or fused or spiro polycyclic, ring structure that is saturated or partially saturated and has from 3 to 12 ring atoms per ring selected from C atoms and N, O, and S heteroatoms. Illustrative examples of heterocycloalkyl groups include:

and the like.

The term “halogen” represents chlorine, fluorine, bromine or iodine. The term “halo”represents chloro, fluoro, bromo or iodo.

The term “substituted” means that the specified group or moiety bears one or more substituents. The term “unsubstituted” means that the specified group bears no substituents. The term “optionally substituted” means that the specified group is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents.

Where the term “substituted” is used to describe a structural system, the substitution is meant to occur at any valency-allowed position on the system.

Abbreviations used in the specification, particularly in the Schemes and Examples, are as follows:

-   -   CDI=N,N′-Carbonyldiimidazole     -   DCM=Dichloromethane     -   DIPEA=Diisopropyl ethyl amine     -   DMF=Dimethylformamide     -   DSC Differential Scanning Calorimetry     -   DVS=Dynamic Vapour Sorption     -   EDCl=1-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride     -   Et₂O=Diethyl Ether     -   EtOAc=Ethyl Acetate     -   EtOH=Ethanol     -   HOBt=1-Hydroxybenzotriazole     -   HPLC=High Performance Liquid Chromatography     -   MeOH=Methanol     -   MTBE=Methyl t-Butyl Ether     -   NaBH(OAc)₃=Sodium triacetoxyborohydride     -   NMR=Nuclear Magnetic Resonance     -   OBt=-O-(1-benzotriazolyl)     -   RH=Relative Humidity     -   TEA or Et₃N=Triethylamine     -   THF=Tetrahydrofuran     -   TLC=Thin Layer Chromatography     -   XRD=X-Ray Diffraction

With reference to substituents, the term “independently” means that when more than one of such substituents is possible, such substituents may be the same or different from each other.

The term “subject” as used herein, refers to an animal, preferably a mammal, most preferably a human, who has been the object of treatment, observation or experiment.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” as used herein, means that amount of active compound or pharmaceutical agent that elicits the biological or medicinal response in a tissue system, animal or human that is being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, which includes alleviation of the symptoms of the disease or disorder being treated.

As used herein, the term “composition” is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combinations of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein are not qualified with the term “about”. It is understood that whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to the actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “leaving group” shall mean a charged or uncharged atom or group which departs during a substitution or displacement reaction. Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, Br, Cl, imidazolyl, and the like.

Where the compounds according to this invention have at least one chiral center, they may accordingly exist as enantiomers. Where the compounds possess two or more chiral centers, they may additionally exist as diastereomers. It is to be understood that all such isomers and mixtures thereof are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, wherein the compound is present as an enantiomer, the enantiomer is present at an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 80%, more preferably, at an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 90%, more preferably still, at an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 95%, more preferably still, at an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 98%, most preferably, at an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 99%. Similalry, wherein the compound is present as a diastereomer, the diastereomer is present at an diastereomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 80%, more preferably, at an diastereomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 90%, more preferably still, at an diastereomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 95%, more preferably still, at an diastereomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 98%, most preferably, at an diastereomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 99%.

Furthermore, some of the crystalline forms for the compounds of the present invention may exist as polymorphs and as such are intended to be included in the present invention. In addition, some of the compounds of the present invention may form solvates with water (i.e., hydrates) or common organic solvents, and such solvates are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention.

One skilled in the art will recognize that wherein a reaction step of the present invention may be carried out in a variety of solvents or solvent systems, said reaction step may also be carried out in a mixture of the suitable solvents or solvent systems.

Where the processes for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention give rise to mixture of stereoisomers, these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography. The compounds may be prepared in racemic form, or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution. The compounds may, for example, be resolved into their component enantiomers by standard techniques, such as the formation of diastereomeric pairs by salt formation with an optically active acid, such as (−)-di-p-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid and/or (+)-di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid followed by fractional crystallization and regeneration of the free base. The compounds may also be resolved by formation of diastereomeric esters or amides, followed by chromatographic separation and removal of the chiral auxiliary. Alternatively, the compounds may be resolved using a chiral HPLC column.

During any of the processes for preparation of the compounds of the present invention, it may be necessary and/or desirable to protect sensitive or reactive groups on any of the molecules concerned. This may be achieved by means of conventional protecting groups, such as those described in Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, ed. J. F. W. McOmie, Plenum Press, 1973; and T. W. Greene & P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1991. The protecting groups may be removed at a convenient subsequent stage using methods known from the art. For example, one skilled in the art will recognize that in the processes of the present invention, it may be necessary and/or desirable to protect substituent groups such as (C₁₋₈alkylcarbonyl)C₁₋₈alkyl.

The present invention includes within its scope prodrugs of the compounds of this invention. In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds which are readily convertible in vivo into the required compound. Thus, in the methods of treatment of the present invention, the term “administering” shall encompass the treatment of the various disorders described with the compound specifically disclosed or with a compound which may not be specifically disclosed, but which converts to the specified compound in vivo after administration to the patient. Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in “Design of Prodrugs”, ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.

For use in medicine, the salts of the compounds of this invention refer to non-toxic “pharmaceutically acceptable salts.” Other salts may, however, be useful in the preparation of compounds according to this invention or of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds include acid addition salts which may, for example, be formed by mixing a solution of the compound with a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, carbonic acid or phosphoric acid. Furthermore, where the compounds of the invention carry an acidic moiety, suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may include alkali metal salts, e.g., sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, e.g., calcium or magnesium salts; and salts formed with suitable organic ligands, e.g., quaternary ammonium salts. Thus, representative pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the following:

acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, bisulfate, bitartrate, borate, bromide, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate, chloride, clavulanate, citrate, dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycollylarsanilate, hexylresorcinate, hydrabamine, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroxynaphthoate, iodide, isothionate, lactate, lactobionate, laurate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methylbromide, methylnitrate, methylsulfate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, N-methylglucamine ammonium salt, oleate, pamoate (embonate), palmitate, pantothenate, phosphate/diphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, sulfate, subacetate, succinate, tannate, tartrate, teoclate, tosylate, triethiodide and valerate.

Representative acids and bases which may be used in the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the following:

acids including acetic acid, 2,2-dichloroactic acid, acylated amino acids, adipic acid, alginic acid, ascorbic acid, L-aspartic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, 4-acetamidobenzoic acid, (+)-camphoric acid, camphorsulfonic acid, (+)-(1S)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid, capric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, cinnamic acid, citric acid, cyclamic acid, dodecylsulfuric acid, ethane-1,2-disulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 2-hydrocy-ethanesulfonic acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, galactaric acid, gentisic acid, glucoheptonic acid, D-gluconic acid, D-glucoronic acid, L-glutamic acid, (x-oxo-glutaric acid, glycolic acid, hipuric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrochloric acid, (+)-L-lactic acid, (±)-DL-lactic acid, lactobionic acid, maleic acid, (−)-L-malic acid, malonic acid, (±)-DL-mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, nicotinc acid, nitric acid, oleic acid, orotic acid, oxalic acid, palmitric acid, pamoic acid, phosphoric acid, L-pyroglutamic acid, salicylic acid, 4-amino-salicylic acid, sebaic acid, stearic acid, succinic acid, sulfuric acid, tannic acid, (+)-L-tartaric acid, thiocyanic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and undecylenic acid; and

bases including ammonia, L-arginine, benethamine, benzathine, calcium hydroxide, choline, deanol, diethanolamine, diethylamine, 2-(diethylamino)-ethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-methyl-glucamine, hydrabamine, 1H-imidazole, L-lysine, magnesium hydroxide, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-morpholine, piperazine, potassium hydroxide, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-pyrrolidine, secondary amine, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine, tromethamine and zinc hydroxide.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II), or an enantiomer, diastereomer, hydrate, solvate thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, amide or ester thereof, wherein R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, p, and q have any of the meanings defined hereinabove and equivalents thereof, or at least one of the following assignments and equivalents thereof. Such assignments may be used where appropriate with any of the definitions, claims or embodiments defined herein:

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) wherein p is 1.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) wherein R¹¹ and R¹² are each independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, and thiomorpholinyl, each optionally substituted as described above.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) wherein R¹¹ and R¹² taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form 2-methylpyrrolidinyl, 3-hydroxypyrrolidinyl, 3-dimethylaminopyrrolidinyl, 2,5-dimethylpyrrolidinyl, 2-trifluoromethylpyrrolidinyl, 2-hydroxymethylpyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, 4-fluoropiperidinyl, 3,3-difluoropiperidinyl, 4,4-difluoropiperidinyl, 3-trifluoromethylpiperidinyl, 4-trifluoromethylpiperidinyl, morpholinyl, 3-hydroxypiperidinyl, 4-hydroxypiperidinyl, 2-hydroxymethylpiperidinyl, 3-hydroxymethylpiperidinyl, 4-hydroxymethylpiperidinyl, 4-hydroxyethylpiperidinyl, 3-methylmorpholin-4-yl, 3-hydroxymethylmorpholin-4-yl, 2-hydroxymethylmorpholin-4-yl, 2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl, thiomorpholinyl, 1,1-dioxo-thiomorpholin-4-yl, or 2-methylmorpholin-4-yl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) wherein, R¹¹ and R¹² taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form piperidinyl, 4-fluoropiperidinyl, 4,4-difluoropiperidinyl, morpholinyl, or 3-methylmorpholin-4-yl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) wherein R¹¹ and R¹² taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form morpholinyl.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) wherein each R¹³ is independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, methoxy, and fluoro.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) wherein q is 0.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) wherein R¹⁴ is —H or methyl.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) that satisfy any one of the combinations of definitions given herein and equivalents thereof.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) selected from the group consisting of (4-cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone and (4-cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone dihydrochloride.

The compounds of the present invention are modulators of the histamine H₃ receptor, and as such, the compounds are useful in the treatment of disease states in which the histamine H₃ receptor is involved. Particularly, the compounds may be used in methods for treating or preventing neurologic or neuropsychiatric disorders including sleep/wake and arousal/vigilance disorders (e.g. insomnia and jet lag), attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), learning and memory disorders, cognitive dysfunction, migraine, neurogenic inflammation, dementia, mild cognitive impairment (pre-dementia), Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, narcolepsy with or without associated cataplexy, cataplexy, disorders of sleep/wake homeostasis, idiopathic somnolence, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), circadian rhythm disorders, sleep/fatigue disorders, fatigue, drowsiness associated with sleep apnea, sleep impairment due to perimenopausal hormonal shifts, Parkinson's-related fatigue, MS-related fatigue, depression-related fatigue, chemotherapy-induced fatigue, eating disorders, obesity, motion sickness, vertigo, schizophrenia, substance abuse, bipolar disorders, manic disorders and depression, as well as other disorders in which the histamine H₃ receptor is involved, such as upper airway allergic response, asthma, itch, nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis in a subject in need thereof. For example, the invention features methods for preventing, inhibiting the progression of, or treating upper airway allergic response, asthma, itch, nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) may occur with or without associated sleep apnea, shift work, fibromyalgia, MS, and the like.

The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II). The process of the present invention is advantageous for large scale and/or commercial purposes because it does not require isolation and/or purification of oily intermediates; and does not require column chromatography which is impractical and highly cost prohibitive on a large and/or commercial scale. Additionally, the process of the present invention may be completed in a single solvent system, whereas a similar process, disclosed in US Patent Application Publication 2004-0010746 A1, published Apr. 21, 2005 (also published as PCT Publication WO 2004/037801, May 6, 2004) would requires multiple solvents (including reaction and extractive work-up solvents) if applied to the compounds of formula (II).

The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II), as described in more detail in Scheme 1, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (XX), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, is activated according to known methods, in a first organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXI), wherein L is a suitable leaving group such as chloro, bromo, —OC(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl, OBt (wherein the activating agent is HOBt), -imidazolide (wherein the activating agent is CDI), and the like; preferably chloro.

For example, wherein L is chloro, the compound of formula (XX) is reacted with a suitable chlorinating agent such as oxalyl chloride, thionyl chloride, phosphorus oxychloride, and the like, preferably about 1.05 equivalents of oxalyl chloride in the presence of a catalytic amount of DMF; in an organic solvent such as THF, toluene, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably THF. Alternatively, the compound of formula (XX) is reacted with Vilsmeier's reagent (chloromethylene-dimethyl-ammonium chloride) in an organic solvent such as DCM; at a temperature in the range of from about 0° C. to about room temperature.

The compound of formula (XXI) is not isolated.

The compound of formula (XXI) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXII), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, wherein the compound of formula (XXII) is preferably present in an amount equal to about one equivalent, more preferably about 0.95 equivalents; in the presence of an organic or inorganic base (solid or aqueous) such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, NaOH, KOH, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and the like, preferably 50% aqueous NaOH; wherein the base is organic, preferably in the absence of water; in a second organic solvent such as THF, toluene, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably THF; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIII).

The compound of formula (XXIII) is not isolated.

The compound of formula (XXIII) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXIV), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, wherein the compound of formula (XXIV) is preferably present in an amount greater than about one equivalent, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 5 equivalents, more preferably still in an amount in the range of from about 1.5 to about 2.5 equivalents, most preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1.5 to about 2 equivalents; in the presence of a reducing agent such as NaBH(OAc)₃, NaBH₄, sodium cyanoborohydride, and the like, preferably, NaBH(OAc)₃; wherein the reducing agent is preferably present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1.25 to about 1.5 equivalents; in a third organic solvent such as THF, toluene, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably, THF; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).

The compound of formula (II) is further, optionally isolated and/or purified according to known methods. Alternatively, the compound of formula (II) is not isolated and/or purified, rather, the compound of formula (II) is reacted according to known methods, to yield a corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (II).

Preferably, the first organic solvent, the second organic solvent and the third organic solvent are the same. Preferably, the conversion of the compound of formula (XX) to the corresponding compound of formula (II) is completed in a single solvent system.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the compound of formula (II) is further reacted with a suitably selected pharmaceutically acceptable acid to yield the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (II). In an embodiment of the present invention, the compound of formula (II) is not isolated and is reacted with a suitably selected pharmaceutically acceptable acid to yield the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (II).

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of the compound of formula (IIs), also known as also known as (4-cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, as described in more detail in Scheme 2, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXs), also known as 4-formyl-benzaldehyde, a known compound, is activated according to known methods, in a first organic solvent, to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIs), wherein L is a suitable leaving group such as chloro, bromo, —OC(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl, OBt (wherein the activating agent is HOBt), -imidazolide (wherein the activating agent is CDI), and the like; preferably chloro.

For example, wherein L is chloro, the compound of formula (XXs) is reacted with a suitable chlorinating agent such as oxalyl chloride, thionyl chloride, phosphorus oxychloride, and the like, preferably about 1.05 equivalents of oxalyl chloride in the presence of a catalytic amount of DMF; in an organic solvent such as THF, toluene, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably THF. Alternatively, the compound of formula (XXs) is reacted with Vilsmeier's reagent (chloromethylene-dimethyl-ammonium chloride) in an organic solvent such as DCM; at a temperature in the range of from about 0° C. to about room temperature.

The compound of formula (XXIs) is not isolated.

The compound of formula (XXIs) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXIIs), also known as N-cyclopropyl-piperazine, a known compound, wherein the compound of formula (XXIIs) is preferably present in an amount equal to about one equivalent, more preferably about 0.95 equivalents; in the presence of an organic or inorganic base (solid or aqueous) such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, NaOH, KOH, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and the like, preferably 50% aqueous NaOH; wherein the base is organic, preferably in the absence of water; in a second organic solvent such as THF, toluene, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably THF; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIIIs), also known as 4-(4-isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde.

The compound of formula (XXIIIs) is not isolated.

The compound of formula (XXIIIs) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXIVs), also known as morpholine, a known compound, wherein the compound of formula (XXIVs) is preferably present in an amount greater than about one equivalent, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 5 equivalents, more preferably still in an amount in the range of from about 1.5 to about 2.5 equivalents, most preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1.5 to about 2 equivalents; in the presence of a reducing agent such as NaBH(OAc)₃, NaBH₄, sodium cyanoborohydride, and the like, preferably, NaBH(OAc)₃; wherein the reducing agent is preferably present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1.25 to about 1.5 equivalents; in a third organic solvent such as THF, toluene, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably, THF; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (IIs), also known as (4-cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone.

The compound of formula (IIs) is further, optionally isolated and/or purified according to known methods. Alternatively, the compound of formula (IIs) is not isolated and/or purified, rather, the compound of formula (IIs) is reacted according to known methods, to yield a corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (IIs).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the compound of formula (IIs) is further reacted with a suitably selected pharmaceutically acceptable acid to yield the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (IIs). In an embodiment of the present invention, the compound of formula (IIs) is not isolated and is reacted with a suitably selected pharmaceutically acceptable acid to yield the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (IIs).

The present invention is further directed to a process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) comprising preparation of a bisulfite intermediate (a compound of formula (XXVII)) in the Schemes which follow herein) which may be isolated as a solid, thereby providing an advantageous means of purification and/or improved stability and shelf-life relative to the aldehyde intermediate (a compound of formula (XXIII) in the Schemes which follow herein).

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a process for the purification of the aldehyde intermediate, a compound of formula (XXIII), comprising preparation of its corresponding bisulfite derivative, isolation of said bisulfite derivative as a solid, and optionally purification according to known methods, for example recrystallization from a suitable solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably ethanol. The bisulfite derivative may then be further reacted as described herein to yield the desired compound of formula (II) or alternatively, may be reacted to re-form the compound of formula (XXIII), which is then reacted according to the processes as described herein, to yield the desired compound of formula (II).

Compounds of formula (II) may alternatively be prepared according to the process as described in more detail in Scheme 3, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (XX), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, is activated according to known methods, to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXI), wherein L is a suitable leaving group such as chloro, bromo, —OC(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl, OBt (wherein the activating agent is HOBt), -imidazolide (wherein the activating agent is CDI), and the like; preferably chloro.

For example, wherein L is chloro, the compound of formula (XX) is reacted with a suitable chlorinating agent such as oxalyl chloride, thionyl chloride, phosphorus oxychloride, and the like, preferably about 1.05 equivalents of thionyl chloride in the presence of a catalytic amount of DMF; in an organic solvent such as THF, toluene, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably THF. Alternatively, the compound of formula (XX) is reacted with Vilsmeier's reagent (chloromethylene-dimethyl-ammonium chloride) in an organic solvent such as DCM; at a temperature in the range of from about 0° C. to about room temperature.

Preferably, the compound of formula (XXI) is not isolated.

The compound of formula (XXI) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXII), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, wherein the compound of formula (XXII) is preferably present in an amount equal to about one equivalent, more preferably about 0.95 equivalents; in the presence of an organic or inorganic base (solid or aqueous) such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, NaOH, KOH, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and the like, preferably TEA; wherein the base is organic, preferably in the absence of water; in an organic solvent such as THF, toluene, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably THF; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIII).

Preferably, the compound of formula (XXIII) is not isolated.

The compound of formula (XXIII) is reacted with a suitable source of bisulfite such as NaHSO₃, KHSO₃, and the like, preferably aqueous NaHSO₃; wherein the source of bisulfite is preferably present in an amount greater than or equal to about one equivalent, more preferably in an amount in range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents, more preferably still in an amount equal to about 1.2 equivalents; in a polar organic solvent such as methanol, ethanol, THF, DMF, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably ethanol; to yield the corresponding bisulfite, the compound of formula (XXVII).

Preferably, the compound of formula (XXVII) is isolated by known methods, for example by filtration and washing with a suitable organic solvent such ethanol, hexane, and the like; and then further, optionally purified, by known methods, for example by recrystallization from a suitable solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably ethanol.

The compound of formula (XXVII) is reacted in a 2-step or 1-step process, wherein the bisulfite is reacted to liberate the corresponding aldehyde, the compound of formula (XXIII) and the aldehyde compound of formula (XXIII) is reacted with the compound of formula (XXIV) to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).

More specifically, the compound of formula (XXVII) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXIV), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, wherein the compound of formula (XXIV) is preferably present in an amount greater than about one equivalent, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents; more preferably still, about 2 equivalents; in the presence of a reducing agent such as NaBH(OAc)₃, NaBH₄, sodium cyanoborohydride, and the like, preferably, NaBH(OAc)₃; wherein the reducing agent is preferably present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1.25 to about 1.5 equivalents; in the presence of an organic or inorganic base such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, NaOH, KOH, and the like, preferably 10% aqueous NaOH; in an organic solvent such as dichloroethane, THF, toluene, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably, dichloroethane; optionally in the presence of a source of acid such as the acid clay Montmorillonite K-10 (available from Aldrich), Nafion-H (CA Reg. No. 63937-00-8), and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).

One skilled in the art will recognize that wherein the amount of the compound of formula (XXIV) is greater than or equal to about 2 equivalents, then one equivalent of the compound of formula (XXIV) acts as the organic or inorganic base to liberate the aldehyde, the compound of formula (XXIII) and therefore, additional organic or inorganic base is not necessary.

Alternatively, the compound of formula (XXVII) is reacted with an organic or inorganic base such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, NaOH, KOH, and the like, preferably 10% aqueous NaOH; wherein the base is preferably present in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 equivalent, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents; according to known methods to remove the bisulfite and liberate the corresponding compound of formula (XXIII).

The compound of formula (XXIII) is then reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXIV), wherein the compound of formula (XXIV) is preferably present in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 equivalent, preferably in an amount in the range of form about 1 equivalent to about 2 equivalents; in the presence of a reducing agent such as NaBH(OAc)₃, NaBH₄, sodium cyanoborohydride, and the like, preferably, NaBH(OAc)₃; wherein the reducing agent is preferably present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1.25 to about 1.5 equivalents; optionally in the presence of a source of acid such as the acid clay Montmorillonite K-10 (available from Aldrich), Nafion-H (CA Reg. No. 63937-00-8) and the like; in an organic solvent such as THF, toluene, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably, THF; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).

Preferably, the compound of formula (II) is isolated according to known methods, for example by solvent evaporation. The compound of formula (II) may be further, optionally, reacted according to known methods, to yield its corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of the compound of formula (IIs), also known as (4-cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, as described in more detail in Scheme 4 below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXs), also known as 4-formyl-benzaldehyde, a known compound, is activated according to known methods, to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIs), wherein L is a suitable leaving group such as chloro, bromo, —OC(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl, OBt (wherein the activating agent is HOBt), -imidazolide (wherein the activating agent is CDI), and the like; preferably chloro.

For example, wherein L is chloro, the compound of formula (XXs) is reacted with a suitable chlorinating agent such as oxalyl chloride, thionyl chloride, phosphorus oxychloride, and the like, preferably about 1.05 equivalents of thionyl chloride in the presence of a catalytic amount of DMF; in an organic solvent such as THF, toluene, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably THF. Alternatively, the compound of formula (XXs) is reacted with Vilsmeier's reagent (chloromethylene-dimethyl-ammonium chloride) in an organic solvent such as DCM; at a temperature in the range of from about 0° C. to about room temperature.

Preferably, the compound of formula (XXIs) is not isolated.

The compound of formula (XXIs) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXIIs), also known as N-cyclorpopyl-piperazine, a known compound, wherein the compound of formula (XXIIs) is preferably present in an amount equal to about one equivalent, more preferably about 0.95 equivalents; in the presence of an organic or inorganic base (solid or aqueous) such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, NaOH, KOH, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and the like, preferably TEA; wherein the base is organic, preferably in the absence of water; in an organic solvent such as THF, toluene, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably THF; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIIIs).

Preferably, the compound of formula (XXIIIs) is not isolated.

The compound of formula (XXIIIs) is reacted with a suitable source of bisulfite such as NaHSO₃, KHSO₃, and the like, preferably aqueous NaHSO₃; wherein the source of bisulfite is preferably present in an amount greater than or equal to about one equivalent, more preferably in an amount in range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents, more preferably still in an amount equal to about 1.2 equivalents; in a polar organic solvent such as methanol, ethanol, THF, DMF, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably ethanol; to yield the corresponding bisulfite, the compound of formula (XXVIIs).

Preferably, the compound of formula (XXVIIs) is isolated by known methods, for example by filtration and washing with a suitable organic solvent such ethanol, hexane, and the like; and then further, optionally purified, by known methods, for example by recrystallization from a suitable solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably ethanol.

The compound of formula (XXVIIs) is reacted in a 2-step or 1-step process, wherein the bisulfite is reacted to liberate the corresponding aldehyde, the compound of formula (XXIIIs) and the aldehyde compound of formula (XXIIIs) is reacted with the compound of formula (XXIVs) to yield the corresponding compound of formula (IIs).

More specifically, the compound of formula (XXVIIs) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXIVs), also known as morpholine, a known compound, wherein the compound of formula (XXIVs) is preferably present in an amount greater than about one equivalent, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents; more preferably still, about 2 equivalents; in the presence of a reducing agent such as NaBH(OAc)₃, NaBH₄, sodium cyanoborohydride, and the like, preferably, NaBH(OAc)₃; wherein the reducing agent is preferably present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1.25 to about 1.5 equivalents; in the presence of an organic or inorganic base such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, NaOH, KOH, and the like, preferably 10% aqueous NaOH; in an organic solvent such as dichloroethane, THF, toluene, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably, dichloroethane; optionally in the presence of a source of acid such as the acid clay Montmorillonite K-10 (available from Aldrich), Nafion-H (CA Reg. No. 63937-00-8), and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (IIs).

One skilled in the art will recognize that wherein the amount of the compound of formula (XXIVs) is greater than or equal to about 2 equivalents, then one equivalent of the compound of formula (XXIVs) acts as the organic or inorganic base to liberate the aldehyde, the compound of formula (XXIIIs) and therefore, additional organic or inorganic base is not necessary.

Alternatively, the compound of formula (XXVIIs) is reacted with an organic or inorganic base such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, NaOH, KOH, and the like, preferably 10% aqueous NaOH; wherein the base is preferably present in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 equivalent, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents; according to known methods to remove the bisulfite and liberate the corresponding compound of formula (XXIIIs).

The compound of formula (XXIIIs) is then reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXIVs), also known as morpholine, a known compound, wherein the compound of formula (XXIVs) is preferably present in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 equivalent, preferably in an amount in the range of form about 1 equivalent to about 2 equivalents; in the presence of a reducing agent such as NaBH(OAc)₃, NaBH₄, sodium cyanoborohydride, and the like, preferably, NaBH(OAc)₃; wherein the reducing agent is preferably present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents, more preferably in an amount in the range of from about 1.25 to about 1.5 equivalents; optionally in the presence of a source of acid such as the acid clay Montmorillonite K-10 (available from Aldrich), Nafion-H (CA Reg. No. 63937-00-8), and the like; in an organic solvent such as THF, toluene, acetonitrile, and the like, preferably, THF; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (IIs).

Preferably, the compound of formula (IIs) is isolated according to known methods, for example by solvent evaporation. The compound of formula (IIs) may be further, optionally, reacted according to known methods, to yield its corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt, preferably its corresponding di-hydrochloride salt.

The compounds or compositions of the invention may be formulated and administered to a subject by any conventional route of administration, including, but not limited to, intravenous, oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal and parenteral administration. The quantity of the compound which is effective for treating each condition may vary, and can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of this invention in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and optionally additional pharmaceutical agents such as H₁ antagonists or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Preferably these compositions are in unit dosage forms such as pills, tablets, caplets, capsules (each including immediate release, timed release and sustained release formulations), powders, granules, sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions (including syrups and emulsions), metered aerosol or liquid sprays, drops, ampoules, autoinjector devices or suppositories; for oral, parenteral, intranasal, sublingual or rectal administration, or for administration by inhalation or insufflation. Alternatively, the composition may be presented in a form suitable for once-weekly or once-monthly administration; for example, an insoluble salt of the active compound, such as the decanoate salt, may be adapted to provide a depot preparation for intramuscular injection. For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal active ingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical carrier, e.g. conventional tableting ingredients such as corn starch, lactose, sucrose, sorbitol, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate or gums, and other pharmaceutical diluents, e.g. water, to form a solid pre-formulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of a compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. When referring to these pre-formulation compositions as homogeneous, it is meant that the active ingredient is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition may be readily subdivided into equally effective dosage forms such as tablets, pills and capsules. This solid pre-formulation composition is then subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type described above containing from 5 to about 1000 mg of the active ingredient of the present invention. Examples include 5 mg, 7 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 35 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 120 mg, 150 mg, and so on. The tablets or pills of the disclosed compositions can be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolonged action. For example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer dosage component, the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former. The two components can be separated by an enteric layer, which serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permits the inner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety of material can be used for such enteric layers or coatings, such materials including a number of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac, cetyl alcohol and cellulose acetate.

The liquid forms in which the compounds and compositions of the present invention may be incorporated for administration orally or by injection include, aqueous solutions, suitably flavored syrups, aqueous or oil suspensions, and flavored emulsions with edible oils such as cottonseed oil, sesame oil, coconut oil or peanut oil, as well as elixirs and similar pharmaceutical vehicles. Suitable dispersing or suspending agents for aqueous suspensions, include synthetic and natural gums such as tragacanth, acacia, alginate, dextran, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone or gelatin.

Advantageously, compounds of the present invention may be administered in a single daily dose, or the total daily dosage may be administered in divided doses of two, three or four times daily. Furthermore, compounds for the present invention can be administered in intranasal form via topical use of suitable intranasal vehicles, or via transdermal skin patches well known to those of ordinary skill in that art. To be administered in the form of a transdermal delivery system, the dosage administration will, of course, be continuous rather than intermittent throughout the dosage regimen.

For instance, for oral administration in the form of a tablet or capsule, the active drug component can be combined with an oral, non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier such as ethanol, glycerol, water and the like. Moreover, when desired or necessary, suitable binders, lubricants, disintegrating agents and coloring agents can also be incorporated into the mixture. Suitable binders include, without limitation, starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose or beta-lactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums such as acacia, tragacanth or sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride and the like. Disintegrators include, without limitation, starch, methyl cellulose, agar, bentonite, xanthan gum and the like.

The compound of the present invention can also be administered in the form of liposome delivery systems, such as small unilamellar vesicles, large unilamellar vesicles, and multilamellar vesicles. Liposomes can be formed from a variety of phospholipids, such as cholesterol, stearylamine or phophatidylcholines.

Compounds of the present invention may also be delivered by the use of monoclonal antibodies as individual carriers to which the compound molecules are coupled. The compounds of the present invention may also be coupled with soluble polymers as targetable drug carriers. Such polymers can include polyvinylpyrrolidone, pyran copolymer, polyhydroxypropylmethacrylamidephenol, polyhydroxyethylaspartamidephenol, or polyethyleneoxidepolylysine substituted with palmitoyl residue. Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may be coupled to a class of biodegradable polymers useful in achieving controlled release of a drug, for example, polylactic acid, polyepsilon caprolactone, polyhydroxy butyric acid, polyoesters, polyacetals, polydihydropyrans, polycyanoacrylates and cross-linked or amphipathic block copolymers of hydrogels.

Compounds of this invention may be administered in any of the foregoing compositions and according to dosage regimens established in the art whenever treatment is required.

The daily dosage of the products may be varied over a wide range from 1 to 1,000 mg per adult human per day. For oral administration, the compositions are preferably provided in the form of tablets containing 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 25.0, 50.0, 100, 250 and 500 milligrams of the active ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the subject to be treated. An effective amount of the drug is ordinarily supplied at a dosage level of from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg of body weight per day. Preferably, the range is from about 0.02 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg of body weight per day, and especially from about 0.05 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg of body weight per day. The compounds may be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day.

Optimal dosages to be administered may be readily determined by those skilled in the art, and will vary with the particular compound used, the mode of administration, the strength of the preparation, the mode of administration, and the advancement of the disease condition. In addition, factors associated with the particular patient being treated, including patient age, weight, diet and time of administration, will result in the need to adjust dosages.

The following Examples are set forth to aid in the understanding of the invention, and are not intended and should not be construed to limit in any way the invention set forth in the claims which follow thereafter.

In the Examples which follow, some synthesis products are listed as having been isolated as a residue. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the term “residue” does not limit the physical state in which the product was isolated and may include, for example, a solid, an oil, a foam, a gum, a syrup, and the like.

EXAMPLE 1 4-Formyl-benzoyl chloride

To a thin suspension of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde (600 g, 3.92 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (2664 g, 36.57 mol) was added dimethylformadehyde (11.48 g, 0.16 mol) and the reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5° C. with an ice bath. The reaction mixture was then stirred at 0° C. while oxalyl chloride (608.69 g, 4.70 mol) was added slowly. The reaction mixture was stirred until it was deemed complete by ¹HNMR to yield the title compound. The reaction mixture was used in the next step without further manipulation.

¹HNMR (CDCl3): 10.15 (s, 1H), 8.35 (d, 2H), 8.05 (d, 2H)

EXAMPLE 2 4-(4-Isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde

A solution of 4-formyl-benzoyl chloride (2.80, 16.65 mol) (prepared as in Example 1 above) in toluene (43.3 g, 469.39 mmol) was added slowly to a solution of NaHCO₃ (0.8 g, 9.52 mmol) and 4-isopropylpiperazine (2.50 g, 18.35 mmol) in water (5 g, 277 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was vigorously stirred until the reaction was deemed complete. The layers were split and the toluene phase was concentrated to yield the title compound as a yellow oil.

¹HNMR (CDCl3): 10.15 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, 2H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 3.75 (br s, 2H), 3.40(br s, 2H), 2.75 (m, 1H), 2.55 (br s, 2H), 2.41 (br s, 2H), 1.09 (d, 6H)

EXAMPLE 3 4-(4-Isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde

4-Isopropyl-piperazine (79.53 g, 0.620 mol), THF (444 g, 5.04 mol), water (36 g, 2 mol) and a 50% solution of sodium hydroxide (130.6 g, 1.63 mol) were charged to a reaction vessel and cooled to 0-5° C. 4-Formyl-benzoyl chloride in THF (110.08 g, 0.630 mol) was added to the 4-isopropyl-piperazine reaction mixture while maintaining the temperature below about 10° C. The resulting white suspension was stirred at room temperature until the reaction was deemed complete. Water was added to the reaction slurry and the resulting hazy solution was filtered over Celite to remove insolubles. The filtered reaction solution was settled and the water layer was removed. The product/THF layer was dried sequentially with magnesium sulfate and molecular sieves. The product solution (KF≦0.5% ) was stored at 5° C. for use without further manipulations.

EXAMPLE 4 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone

To a solution of 4-(4-isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde (4.0 g, 15.38 mmol) in THF (40 mL) was added morpholine (2.9 g, 33.83 mmol), and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h before it was cooled to 0° C. with an ice bath. The reaction mixture was then treated with NaBH(OAc)₃ (4.56 g, 21.53 mmol) in portions over 15 min. The resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature until it was deemed complete by HPLC. After completion, 10% NaOH (25 mL) was added and the reaction was vigorously agitated for 15 min. The phases were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with THF (20 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to yield the title compound as a yellow oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.36 (s, 4H), 3.79 (br s, 2H), 3.71 (t, 4H), 3.51 (s, 2H), 3.44 (br s, 2H), 2.76-2.69 (m, 1H), 2.59 (br s, 2H), 2.44 (t, 6H), 1.05 (d, 6H).

EXAMPLE 5 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone

A THF solution of 1-(4-formylbenzoyl)-4-isopropylpiperazine (containing 945 g of 1-(4-formylbenzoyl)-4-isopropylpiperazine and 3879 g of THF) was charged to a reaction vessel followed by the addition of morpholine (576.3 g, 6.55 mol). After 20 min, the reaction was cooled to about 0-10° C. and sodium triacetoxyborohydride (1167.3 g, 5.23 mol) was added in portions. Upon reaction completion, 10% sodium hydroxide solution (3623.2 mL, 9.06 mol) was added slowly and the reaction mixture was stirred for 20 min. The layers were separated, and the aqueous layer was washed with THF. The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulfate. The dried THF solution of (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone was used without further manipulations.

EXAMPLE 6 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone Mono-succinate Salt

A THF solution (278.0 g) of crude (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone (59.4 g, 0.179 mol) was heated to 40° C. and succinic acid (27.53 g, 0.233 mol) was added. The reaction mixture was heated to 60° C. and filtered into a clean flask. The resulting solution was re-heated to 60° C. and then cooled slowly, first to room temperature and then to −7° C. The resulting suspension was held at −7° C. and filtered. The filter cake was washed with THF (60 mL) and the solid was dried overnight at 50° C. under full vacuum to yield crude mono-succinate salt as a white solid.

A suspension of the crude mono-succinate salt (701.3 g, 1.56 mol) in ethanol (7.01 L) was heated to 60-65° C. Any insoluble material was removed by filtration. The resulting clear solution was cooled slowly to −7° C. The slurry was filtered and washed with ethanol (700 mL). The filter cake was dried overnight at 50° C. under full vacuum to yield the mono-succinate salt as a white crystalline solid.

M.P.: 154-156° C.

Elemental Analysis For C₁₉H₂₉N₃O₂×C₄H₆O₂: Calculated: C, 61.45; H, 7.85; N, 9.35; H₂O, <0.1% Found: C, 61.42; H, 7.84; N, 9.29; H₂O, <0.1%

MS: [M+H]⁺=332; [2M+H]⁺=685.

EXAMPLE 7 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone Mono-fumarate Salt

To a THF solution (40 mL) of (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone (3.0 g, 9.0 mmol) were added THF (40 mL) and fumaric acid (3.3 g, 28.4 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated to 60° C. and stirred for 0.5 h. The resulting suspension was cooled to 0° C. and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with THF (20 mL), and dried in a vacuum oven at 65° C. for 20 h to yield crude title compound as a white solid.

A suspension of crude (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, mono-fumarate (5.7 g, 12.7 mmol) in absolute EtOH (110 mL) was heated to 70° C. Any insoluble material was removed by filtration through a Celite pad. The filtrate was reheated to 65° C. and then cooled to 0° C. The precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with MTBE (20 mL). The solids were dried in a vacuum oven at 65° C. for 20 h to yield the title compound as a white solid.

M.P.: 196-198° C.

Elemental Analysis for C₁₉H₂₉N₃O₂×C₄H₄O₄: Calculated: C, 61.73; H, 7.43; N, 9.39 Found: C, 61.44; H, 7.50; N, 9.30

EXAMPLE 8 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, dihydrochloride monohydrate salt

A solution of (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone (2.0 g, 6.0 mmol) in absolute EtOH (20 mL) was treated with HCl_((g)) (0.5 g, 13.7 mmol) at room temperature. The resulting suspension was stirred for 1 h, and then MTBE (5 mL) was added. The suspension was cooled to 0° C. and filtered. The filter cake was washed with MTBE (20 mL), and the solid was dried in a vacuum oven at 60° C. for 20 h to yield crude title compound as a white solid.

A suspension of crude (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, dihydrochloride (2.1 g, 5.2 mmol) in absolute EtOH (30 mL) was heated to 78° C. and H₂O (2.2 mL) was added. The resulting solution was cooled to room temperature and MTBE (5 mL) was added. The resulting suspension was cooled to 0° C. and filtered. The filter cake was washed with MeOH (15 mL). The solids were dried in a vacuum oven at 105° C. for 20 h to yield the title compound as a white solid.

M.P.: decomp >220° C.

Elemental Analysis for C₁₉H₂₉N₃O₂×2HCl×H₂O: Calculated: C, 53.97; H, 7.81; N, 9.94; Cl, 16.81; Found: C, 54.13; H, 7.50; N, 9.90; Cl, 16.68; KF: 4.02%

EXAMPLE 9 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, dihydrobromide semi-hydrate salt

To a THF solution (40 mL) of (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone (3.0 g, 9.0 mmol) were added THF (40 mL) and 30% hydrogen bromide solution in acetic acid (3.7 mL, 18.6 mmol) while maintaining the temperature between 15° C. and 20° C. The resulting suspension was stirred for 1 h, and then cooled to 0° C. The precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with THF (20 mL), and dried in a vacuum oven at 65° C. for 20 h to yield crude title compound as a white solid.

A suspension of crude (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, dihydrobromide (4.9 g, 9.9 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) was heated to 65° C. The resulting solution was cooled to 0° C. and the precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with MeOH (15 mL). The solids were dried in a vacuum oven at 65° C. for 20 h to yield the title compound as a white solid.

M.P.: >290° C. decomp

Elemental Analysis for C₁₉H₂₉N₃O₂×2 HBr×0.5H₂O: Calculated: C, 45.39; H, 6.37; N, 8.36; Br, 31.85 Found: C, 45.60; H, 6.32; N, 8.36; Br, 33.41 KF: 2.02%

EXAMPLE 10 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone Bis-maleate Salt

To a solution of (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone (3.0 g, 9.05 mmol) in absolute EtOH (20 mL) was added, via an addition funnel, a solution of maleic acid (3.3 g, 19.8 mmol) in absolute EtOH (20 mL) over 10 min. The resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature for 15 min, at 75° C. for 30 min, and was then allowed to cool to room temperature for 15 h. The reaction mixture was cooled further to 0° C. and was then stirred for 2 h. The resulting precipitate was collected by suction filtration and washed with cold EtOH (20 mL). The wet solid was dried in a vacuum oven at 40° C. for 6 h to yield the title compound as crude material, as a white solid.

A suspension of the crude (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, bis-maleate salt (3.0 g) in absolute EtOH (30 mL) was heated at 75° C. for 1 h, and the resulting solution was filtered through a fine porosity glass frit. The filtrate was heated at 75° C. and then cooled to room temperature over 2 h, with stirring, and Et₂O (10 mL) was added. The resulting suspension was cooled to 0° C. for 2 h, the precipitate was collected by suction filtration and washed with Et₂O (20 mL) under nitrogen protection. The solids were dried in a vacuum oven at 45° C. for 20 h to yield the title compound as a white crystalline solid.

MP: 154.1° C.

Elemental Analysis for C₂₇H₃₇N₃O₁₀: Calculated: C, 57.54; H, 6.62; N, 7.46 Found: C, 57.44; H, 6.66; N, 7.33.

EXAMPLE 11 Analysis Protocol for Compounds Prepared as in Examples 12-29

Hewlett Packard HPLC, Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C8, 5 uM, 4.6×150 mm column; Solvents used were H₂O/CH₃CN/0.05% Trifluoroacetic Acid; Gradient conditions were 1%-99% CH₃CN gradient over 8 min, 99% CH₃CN for 2 min.

All reactions were carried out under a nitrogen atmosphere.

Mass spectra were obtained on an Agilent series 1100 MSD using electrospray ionization (ESI) in either positive or negative modes as indicated.

Thin-layer chromatography was performed using Merck silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ 2.5 cm×7.5 cm 250 μm or 5.0 cm×10.0 cm 250 μm pre-coated silica gel plates. Preparative thin-layer chromatography was performed using EM Science silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ 20 cm×20 cm 0.5 mm pre-coated plates with a 20 cm×4 cm concentrating zone.

NMR spectra were obtained on either a Bruker model DPX400 (400 MHz) or DPX500 (500 MHz) spectrometer. The format of the ¹H NMR data below is: chemical shift in ppm down field of the tetramethylsilane reference (multiplicity, coupling constant J in Hz, integration).

EXAMPLE 12 1-Isopropyl piperazine dihydrochloride

To a solution of tert-butyl piperazine-1-carboxylate (100 g) and acetone (48 mL) in CH₂Cl₂ (1 L) was added acetic acid (31 mL) and NaBH(OAc)₃ (170 g). The reaction mixture was stirred for 18 h, then was diluted with 1 N NaOH (500 mL), and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (500 mL×2). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to a residue. The residue was dissolved in MeOH (200 mL) and 4 M HCl in 1,4-dioxane (700 mL) was added to the reaction mixture over a period of several hours. After 18 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated to yield a solid, which was washed with Et₂O (500 mL×2) and dried overnight to yield the title compound as a white solid.

¹H NMR (CD₃OD): 3.76-3.51 (m, 9H), 1.44 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 6H).

EXAMPLE 13 4-Formyl-benzoyl chloride

A suspension of (chloromethylene)dimethylammonium chloride (Vilsmeier Reagent; 37.7 g, 0.280 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (300 mL) at 0° C. was treated with 4-carboxybenzaldehyde (40.0 g, 267 mmol) in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min, then at room temperature for 2 h. HPLC analysis of an aliquot of the reaction mixture quenched into MeOH indicated consumption of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde. The reaction mixture was filtered through a medium porosity glass frit. The filtrate, containing the title compound, was stored at 0° C., and used in the next step without further manipulation.

EXAMPLE 14 4-(4-Isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde

To a suspension of isopropyl piperazine dihydrochloride salt (52.5 g, 262 mmol) (prepared as in Example 12 above) in CH₂Cl₂ was added Et₃N (83.5 g, 827 mmol) and the resulting slurry was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, then at 0° C. for 30 min. The reaction mixture was filtered through a medium porosity glass frit and the filtrate was cooled to 0° C. A solution of 4-formyl benzoyl chloride in CH₂Cl₂ was added via an addition funnel in a slow stream over 30 min. The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min, then at room temperature for 2 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and filtered through a medium porosity glass frit. The filtrate was washed with H₂O, 0.5 N NaOH, and brine (1×400 mL each). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to yield an oil (59.8 g). Trituration of the oil with anhydrous Et₂O (275 mL), followed by removal of the solvent on a rotary evaporator yielded the title compound as a pale yellow-brown oil.

HPLC: R_(T)=5.43 min.

EXAMPLE 15 Hydroxy-[4-(4-isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-phenyl]-methanesulfonic acid sodium salt

A solution of 4-(4-isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde (20.0 g, 76.9 mmol) in EtOH (200 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 15 min. To the resulting solution was added a solution of NaHSO₃ (9.6 g) in H₂O (25 mL), dropwise over 30 min. The resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature for 2 h, then cooled to 0° C. and stirred for 3 h, adding EtOH periodically (total 200 mL) to aid stirring. A precipitate formed and was collected by suction filtration through a glass frit lined with filter paper. The filter cake was washed with hexane (1×50 mL), and dried under vacuum for 16 h to yield the title compound as a white solid.

MP: 275° C. (dec.)

The purity of the compound was determined by dissolution of the bisulfite adduct in 1:11 N NaOH/MeOH and analysis by HPLC. In addition, the liberated product was extracted into EtOAc and the organic layer analyzed by TLC (MeOH/CH₂Cl₂, 1:9). Prolonged exposure in an iodine chamber indicated a single spot (R_(f)=0.71).

EXAMPLE 16 4-(4-Isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde

To a suspension of hydroxy-[4-(4-isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-phenyl]-methanesulfonic acid sodium salt (49.0 g, 135 mmol) in de-ionized H₂O (490 mL) at 0° C. was added 1 N NaOH (100 mL) in 10 mL portions with vigorous stirring. A clear solution resulted (pH 12), which was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h, then at room temperature for 30 min. The aqueous solution was extracted with EtOAc (3×200 mL), followed by CH₂Cl₂ (3×200 mL). The organic layers were combined, washed with brine (1×300 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to yield the title compound as a pale yellow oil.

HPLC: R_(T)=5.43 min

MS (ESI): calcd. for C₁₅H₂₀N₂O₂, 260.33; m/z found, 261.1 (M+1)

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 10.1 (s, 1H), 7.96 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (br s, 2H), 3.41 (br s, 2H), 2.78 (m, 1H), 2.64 (br s, 2H), 2.48 (br s, 2H), 1.08 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 6H).

EXAMPLE 17 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone

To a solution of 4-(4-isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde (32.0 g, 123 mmol) in THF (650 mL) was added morpholine (21.4 g, 246 mmol), in a slow stream via an addition funnel over 15 min, and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 40 min. The reaction mixture was treated with NaBH(OAc)₃ (38.4 g, 172 mmol) in portions over 40 min, was stirred at room temperature for 16 h, and then concentrated to a residue. The residue was diluted with EtOAc (400 mL), cooled to 0° C., and treated with 1 N NaOH (250 mL). The biphasic solution stirred at 0° C. for 30 min. The phases were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (2×100 mL). The organic layers were combined, washed with brine (1×300 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated to yield the title compound as a pale yellow oil.

HPLC: R_(T)=4.69 min

MS (ESI): calcd. for C₁₉H₂₉N₃O₂, 331.23; m/z found, 332.2 (M+1)

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.36 (s, 4H), 3.79 (br s, 2H), 3.71 (t, J=4.7 Hz, 4H), 3.51 (s, 2H), 3.44 (br s, 2H), 2.76-2.69 (m, 1H), 2.59 (br s, 2H), 2.44 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 6H), 1.05 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 6H).

EXAMPLE 18 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, bis-maleate salt

To a solution of (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone (34.0 g, 102.7 mmol) in absolute EtOH (200 mL) was added, via an addition funnel, a solution of maleic acid (23.9 g, 206 mmol) in absolute EtOH (200 mL) over 15 min. The resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature for 30 min, at 75° C. for 1 h, and was then allowed to cool to room temperature over 16 h. The reaction mixture was cooled further to 0° C. and was stirred for 2 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with Et₂O (50 mL) and stirred for 30 min. The resulting precipitate was collected by suction filtration, washed with cold EtOH/Et₂O (4:1, 100 mL×2), and dried in a vacuum oven at 40° C. for 20 h to yield the title compound as crude material, as a white solid.

A suspension of the crude (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, bis-maleate salt (90.5 g) in absolute EtOH (905 mL) was heated at 75° C. for 1 h, and the resulting solution was filtered through a fine porosity glass frit. The filtrate was cooled to room temperature over 20 h, with stirring. The resulting suspension was cooled to 0° C. for 2 h, and the precipitate was collected by suction filtration and washed with Et₂O (2×200 mL). The solids were dried in a vacuum oven at 40° C. for 20 h to yield the title compound as a white crystalline solid.

MP: 148-150° C.

MS (ESI): calcd. for C₁₉H₂₉N₃O₂, 331.23; m/z found, 332.2 (M+1)

¹H NMR (CD₃OD): 7.54-7.48 (m, 4H), 6.26 (s, 4H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 3.85 (br m, 8H), 3.56 (brs, 1H), 3.42-3.32 (brs, 4H), 3.13 (brs, 4H), 1.38 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 6H). Anal. calcd. for C₂₇H₃₇N₃O₁₀: C, 57.54; H, 6.62; N, 7.46. Found: C, 57.52; H, 6.73; N, 7.54.

EXAMPLE 19 4-Formyl-benzoyl chloride

A solution of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde (30.0 g, 0.200 mol) in toluene (300 mL) was treated with thionyl chloride (28.6 g, 0.240 mol) and DMF (1.0 mL). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 2 h, during which time the solids dissolved to yield a pale yellow colored solution. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. to yield a solution of the title compound in toluene, which was used without further manipulation.

EXAMPLE 20 Hydroxy-[4-(4-isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-phenyl]-methanesulfonic acid sodium salt

A solution of NaOH (24.0 g, 0.600 mol) in de-ionized H₂O (240 mL) and toluene (60 mL) at 0° C. was treated with isopropyl piperazine dihydrochloride salt (39.0 g, 194 mmol). The resulting biphasic solution was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min. A solution of 4-formyl-benzoyl chloride in toluene was added in a slow stream via an addition funnel over 1 h, with vigorous mechanical agitation. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 16 h, then cooled to 0° C., and the pH adjusted to 10 with 1 N NaOH. The phases were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with toluene (2×200 mL). The organic layers were combined, washed with brine (200 mL), and concentrated to yield 4-(4-isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde (52.5 g, mass balance 101%) as a pale, yellow-brown oil. The oil was dissolved in EtOH (600 mL) and, with vigorous mechanical agitation, was treated with a solution of NaHSO₃ (23.1 g, 222 mmol) in de-ionized H₂O (50 mL) which was added via an addition funnel over 30 min. The resulting mixture was stirred at room tempertaure for 48 h, and then cooled to 0° C. Methyl-tert-butyl ether (500 mL) was added and the resulting the slurry was stirred for 30 min. The precipitate was collected by suction filtration through a medium porosity glass frit, washed with cold EtOH/EtOAc (5:1, 3×60 mL). The solids were dried under vacuum for 2 h, then at 40° C. in a vacuum oven for 16 h to yield the title compound as a white solid.

HPLC: R_(T)=5.43 min

MP: 275° C. (dec.)

EXAMPLE 21 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl )-(4-piperidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone

A mixture of hydroxy-[4-(4-isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-phenyl]-methanesulfonic acid sodium salt (54.6 g, 0.150 mol), piperidine (28.0 g, 0.330 mol), and Montmorillonite-K10 (10.9 g, 20% by wt. relative to starting material) in dichloroethane (820 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. NaBH(OAc)₃ (44.5 g, 210.0 mmol) was added in portions over 1 h, and the resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. Diatomaceous earth (5.4 g) was added and the suspension was stirred for an additional 30 min. The reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of diatomaceous earth, rinsing with dichloroethane (2×100 mL). The filtrate was washed with 1 N NaOH (2×200 mL). The aqueous layers were combined and back-extracted with dichloroethane (2×100 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated to yield the title compound as its corresponding free base, as a pale yellow oil.

HPLC: R_(T)=4.76 min

MS (ESI): calcd. for C₂₀H₃₁N₃O, 329.25; m/z found, 330.2 (M+1)

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.35 (s, 4H), 3.79 (br s, 2H), 3.48 (br s, 2H), 3.45 (br s, 2H), 2.72 (m, 1H), 2.59 (br s, 2H), 2.45 (br s, 2H), 2.38 (br s, 4H), 1.60-1.55 (m, 4H), 1.48-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.06 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H).

EXAMPLE 22 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-piperidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, bis-maleate salt

To a mechanically agitated solution of (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-piperidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone (40.0 g, 122 mmol) in absolute EtOH (800 mL) was added, via an addition funnel, a solution of maleic acid (28.2 g, 243 mmol) in absolute EtOH (200 mL) over 30 min. The resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature for 16 h, then diluted with Et₂O (200 mL), cooled to 0° C., and stirred for 2 h. The precipitate was collected by suction filtration, washed with cold EtOH/Et₂O (4:1, 3×100 mL). The solids were dried under vacuum to yield crude title compound as a white solid.

A mechanically agitated suspension of the crude material (4-isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-piperidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone, bis-maleate salt) (89.0 g) in absolute EtOH (1780 mL) was heated at 75° C. for 1 h. The resulting pale yellow solution was allowed to cool to room temperature with stirring over 36 h, then diluted with Et₂O (220 mL), cooled to 0° C., and stirred for 3 h. The precipitate was collected by suction filtration, washed with Et₂O (2×100 mL). The solids were dried under vacuum for 16 h to yield the title compound as a white crystalline solid.

MP: 165-167° C.

MS (ESI): calcd. for C₂₀H₃₁N₃O, 329.25; m/z found, 330.2 (M+1)

Anal. calcd. for C₂₈H₃₉N₃O₉: C, 59.88; H, 7.00; N, 7.48. Found: C, 59.56; H, 7.29; N, 7.40.

EXAMPLE 23 Representative Examples of Reductive Amination of Bisulfite Adducts

Method A

A suspension of benzadehyde bisulfite adduct as listed in Table 3 below (5.0 mmol), Montmorillonite-K10 (0.21 g), and morpholine (10.0 mmol) in dichloroethane (20 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 45 min. NaBH(OAc)₃ (7.0 mmol) was added portion-wise over approximately 30 min. After 4 h, the reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc (80 mL), filtered, and washed with 1 N NaOH (25 mL) followed by brine (25 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to yield 4-benzyl-morpholine as an oil. In cases where Montmorillonite K-10 was not used, the filtration step after completion of reaction was not necessary.

General Purification Method

The crude product from Method A was dissolved in EtOAc (50 mL) and the organic layer was extracted with 1.5 N HCl (25 mL). The aqueous layer was basified to ca. pH 12 with 1 N NaOH, and extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to yield the desired product (HPLC Purity >97%).

Method B

A suspension of cyclohexanecarboxaldehyde bisulfite adduct (5.0 mmol) and Et₃N (5.5 mmol) in dichloroethane (20 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 15 min. The suspension was treated with N-methylbenzylamine (5.5 mmol) and was stirred for 45 min. NaBH(OAc)₃ (7.0 mmol) was added portion-wise over approximately 30 min. After 16 h, the reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc (80 mL), and was washed with 1 N NaOH (25 mL) followed by brine (25 mL). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to yield benzyl-cyclohexylmethyl-methyl-amine as an oil. The crude material was purified by the General Purification Method as described above.

Table 9 below lists reductive amination reactions which were completed on representative bisulfite compounds. The column entitled “Reagents” list the reagents or reagent combination used in the reaction to yielded the desired product as listed. TABLE 9 Representative Examples of Reductive Amination

Bisulfite Reagent Method Reagents Product

A Morpholine (2.0 equiv.)

A Montmorillonite K-10 +Morpholine (2.0 equiv.)

A Piperidine (2.0 equiv.)

A Montmorillonite K-10 + Piperidine (2.0 equiv.)

B TEA (1.1 equiv.) +Piperidine (1.1 equiv.)

A Pyrrolidine (2.0 equiv.)

B TEA (1.1 equiv) +Pyrrolidine (1.1 equiv.)

B TEA (1.1 equiv.) +Pyrrolidine (1.1 equiv.)

B TEA (1.1 equiv.) +Diethylamine (1.1 equiv.)

B TEA (1.1 equiv.) +Pyrrolidine (1.1 equiv.)

B TEA (1.1 equiv.) +Morpholine (1.1 Equiv.)

B TEA (1.1 equiv.) +N-Methylbenzyl- amine

B TEA (1.2 equiv.) +3-[4-(1-Acetyl- 2,3-dihydro-1H- indol-6-yl)-3-oxo- 4-piperidin-4-yl- butyl]-benzonitrile (0.8 Equiv.)

A Morpholine (2.0 equiv.)

B TEA (1.1 equiv.); Morpholine (1.1 equiv.)

EXAMPLE 24 (4-Cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone

Step A. 4-(4-Formyl-benzoyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

A suspension of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde (3.10 g) in CH₂Cl₂ was treated sequentially with piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (3.6 g), EDCl (3.86 g), HOBt (2.68 g), and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (˜0.020 g). After 18 h, the mixture was extracted with 1 N NaOH and then with 1 N HCl. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to yield the title compound.

MS (ESI): mass calcd. for C₁₇H₂₂N₂O₄, 318.16; m/z found, 219.3 [(M-100)+H]⁺

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 10.04 (s, 1H), 7.93 (d, J=8.2, 2H), 7.54 (d, J=8.1, 2H), 3.82-3.67 (m, 2H), 3.58-3.30 (m, 6H), 1.46 (s, 9H).

Step B. 4-(4-Morpholin-4-ylmethyl-benzoyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

A solution of 4-(4-formyl-benzoyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (2.06 g) in methanol (100 mL) was treated with morpholine (4 mL) and NaBH(OAc)₃ (6.98 g, in portions over 1 h). After 3 h, the mixture was diluted with saturated aquoues NaHCO₃ and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to yield the title compound.

MS (ESI): mass calcd. for C₂₁H₃₁N₃O₄, 389.23; m/z found, 390.4 [M+H]⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.39-7.33 (m, 4H), 3.75-3.66 (m, 6H), 3.50 (s, 2H), 3.51-3.33 (m, 6H), 2.45-2.41 (m, 4H), 1.46 (s, 9H).

Step C. (4-Morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl-methanone

A solution of 4-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-benzoyl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (1.163 g) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) was treated with trifluoroacetic acid (˜4 mL). After 30 min, additional trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL) was added, and the mixture was stirred for a further 2 h. The mixture was diluted with diluted with saturated aquoues NaHCO₃ and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to yield the title compound.

MS (ESI): mass calcd. for C₁₆H₂₃N₃O₂, 289.18; m/z found, 290.4 [M+H]⁺

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.41-7.35 (m, 4H), 3.95-3.70 (m, 6H), 3.52 (s, 2H), 3.09-2.80 (m, 6H), 2.49-2.42 (m, 4H).

Step D. (4-Cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone

A solution of (4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl-methanone (0.128 g) in methanol (7.5 mL) was treated with (1-ethoxy-cyclopropoxy)-trimethyl-silane (1.5 mL), acetic acid (0.2 mL), and NaBH₃CN (˜400 mg). The mixture was heated at 60° C. for 18 h, and then was cooled to room temperature and concentrated. The residue was diluted with 1 N NaOH and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂) to yield the title compound.

MS (ESI): mass calcd. for C₁₉H₂₇N₃O₂, 329.21; m/z found, 330.4 [M+H]⁺

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.36 (s, 4H), 3.79-3.68 (m, 6H), 3.50 (s, 2H), 3.44-3.32 (m, 2H), 2.74-2.61 (m, 2H), 2.60-2.50 (s, 2H), 2.45-2.40 (m, 4H), 1.66-1.62 (m, 1H), 0.49-0.44 (m, 2H), 0.44-0.39 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 25 (4-Cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone

Step A. tert-Butyl 4-cyclopropylpiperazine-1-carboxylate

A mixture of tert-butyl piperazine-1-carboxylate (75.0 g), THF (500 mL), methanol (500 mL), [(1-ethoxycyclopropyl)oxy]trimethylsilane (161 mL), NaBH₃CN (38.0 g), and acetic acid (37 mL) was heated at 60° C. for 5 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, treated with water (30 mL) and stirred for 5 min. The mixture was then treated with 1 N NaOH (130 mL) and was further stirred for 15 min. The mixture was concentrated, and the remaining aqueous solution was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (500 mL). The organic layer was washed with 1 N NaOH (500 mL). The combined aqueous layers were extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (150 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (400 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated to yield the title compound as a white solid.

MS (ESI): mass calcd. for C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂226.17; m/z found, 227.2 [M+H⁺]

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 3.39 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 4H), 2.55 (t, J=4.9 Hz, 4H), 1.60 (ddd, J=10.3, 6.5, 3.8 Hz, 1H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 0.49-0.38 (m, 4H).

Step B. 1-Cyclopropylpiperazine dihydrochloride

A solution of tert-butyl 4-cyclopropylpiperazine-1-carboxylate (92 g) in 1,4-dioxane (200 mL) was treated with HCl (4 M in 1,4-dioxane, 500 mL) over 10 min while maintaining the temperature below 40° C. After the addition was complete, the mixture was heated at 45° C. for 9 h and then was cooled to room temperature. The thick suspension was diluted with hexanes (400 mL) and was cooled to 10° C. The resulting solid was collected by filtration, washed with hexanes, and dried to yield the title compound as a white solid.

MS (ESI): mass calcd. for C₇H₁₄N₂, 126.12; m/z found, 127.0 [M+H^(+])

¹H NMR (400 MHz, D₂O): 3.65 (br t, J=4.7 Hz, 4H), 3.47 (br t, J=5.5 Hz, 4H), 2.85 (br quintet, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 0.94 (br s, 2H), 0.92 (br s, 2H).

Step C. 4-(4-Cyclopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde

A mixture of 4-formyl-benzoic acid (54.4 g), toluene (500 mL), DMF (3.6 mL), and thionyl chloride (30.4 mL) was heated at 60° C. for 2 h and then was cooled to 5° C. In a separate flask, a 5° C. mixture of NaOH (50.7 g), water (550 mL), and toluene (150 mL) was treated with 1-cyclopropyl-piperazine dihydrochloride (70.0 g) in portions while the temperature was maintained below 10° C. After the addition was complete, the mixture was cooled to 5° C. and treated with the crude acyl chloride solution prepared as above at a rate such that the temperature did not exceed 10° C. After the addition was complete, the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred overnight. The biphasic mixture was basified to pH ˜10 with 1 N NaOH (300 mL). The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with toluene (100 mL×2). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (200 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated to yield the title compound as pale yellow viscous oil.

HPLC: R_(T)=5.19 min

MS (ESI): mass calcd. for C₁₅H₁₈N₂O₂, 258.14; m/z found, 258.9 [M+H^(+])

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 10.1 (s, 1H), 7.94 (pseudo d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (pseudo d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 3.77 (br s, 2H), 3.33 (br s, 2H), 2.71 (br s, 2H), 2.55 (br s, 2H), 1.66 (ddd, J=10.2, 6.6, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 0.52-0.46 (m, 2H), 0.45-0.40 (br s, 2H).

Step D. (4-Cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone

To a solution of 4-(4-cyclopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde (56.0 g) in 1,2-dichloroethane (550 mL) was added morpholine (37.8 mL) dropwise over 5 min. The mixture was cooled to 10° C. and was treated with NaBH(OAc)₃ (64.3 g) in portions over 1 h. After a further 2 h, the mixture was warmed to room temperature, and a water bath was used to keep the temperature below 20° C. After 18 h, water (60 mL) was added while the temperature was kept under 20° C. by the addition of small amounts of ice. After 20 min, the mixture was basified to pH ˜10 with 1 N NaOH (450 mL) and the mixture was stirred for 10 min. The layers were separated, and the organic layer was washed with 1 N NaOH (150 mL). The combined aqueous layers were extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (200 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (200 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated to yield the title compound as pale yellow viscous oil.

HPLC: R_(T)=4.39 min

MS (ESI): mass calcd. for C₁₉H₂₇N₃O₂, 329.21; m/z found, 330.2 [M+H^(+])

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.35 (br s, 4H), 3.73 (br s, 2H), 3.69 (t, J=4.6 Hz, 4H), 3.50 (s, 2H), 3.37 (br s, 2H), 2.67 (br s, 2H), 2.53 (br s, 2H), 2.43 (t, J=4.2 Hz, 4H), 1.63 (ddd, J=10.3, 6.7, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 0.49-0.43 (m, 2H), 0.42-0.39 (br s, 2H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): 170.6, 140.0, 135.1, 129.5, 127.5, 67.4, 63.4, 54.0, 38.7, 6.3.

EXAMPLE 26 (4-Cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone dihydrochloride salt

A solution of (4-cyclopropyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone (68.0 g) in ethanol (400 mL) was heated to 60° C. and treated with concentrated HCl (37.8 mL) dropwise over 40 min. A precipitate started to form after ˜20 mL of HCl had been added. After the addition was complete, the thick suspension was slowly cooled to 20° C. over 3 h. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with ethanol, and dried at 50° C. overnight in a vacuum oven to provide the title compound as a white solid.

HPLC: R_(T)=4.30 min

MS (ESI): mass calcd. for C₁₉H₂₇N₃O₂, 329.21; m/z found, 330.0 [M+H⁺]

¹H NMR (400 MHz, D₂O): 7.64 (pseudo d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (pseudo d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 4.44 (brs, 2H), 4.20-3.10 (m, 16H), 2.88 (ddd, J=11.2, 6.6, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 1.03-0.98 (m, 4H)

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, D₂O): 172.1, 135.3, 132.2, 130.9, 128.0, 64.0, 60.5, 52.6, 52.4, 51.7, 44.8, 39.7, 39.5, 3.9.

EXAMPLE 27 (4-Isopropyl-piperazin-1-yl )-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone

Preparation and analytical data for the title compound was presented in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004-0110746 A1, published Apr. 21, 2005.

EXAMPLE 28 (4-Cyclobutyl-piperazin-1-yl)-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-methanone

The title compound was prepared according to the methods described in Example 23 above.

EXAMPLE 29 Sodium [4-(4-Cyclopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-phenyl]-hydroxy-methanesulfonate

A 100 mL flask was charged with 4-(4-cyclopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzaldehyde (2.58 g, 10.0 mmol, 1.0 eq), acetonitrile (30 mL), and water (1.0 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was heated to 50° C. A solution of NaHSO₃ (1.14 g, 11.0 mol, 1.1 eq) in water (2.0 mL) was added dropwise over 5 min. The reaction mixture was then cooled to 17° C. The product was collected by filtration as a white solid.

¹H-NMR (400 MHz, D₂O): δ 7.66 (pseudo d, 2H, J=8.1 Hz), 7.47 (pseudo d, 2H, J=8.2 Hz), 5.58 (s, 1H), 3.74 (br s, 2H), 3.47 (br s, 2H), 2.84 (br s, 2H), 2.69 (br s, 2H), 1.85 (tt, 1H, J=7.0, 3.8 Hz), 0.60-0.54 (m, 2H), 0.49-0.44 (m, 2H)

MS (ESI-): mass calculated for C₁₅H₁₉N₂O₅S, 339.1; m/z found, 339.0 [M-Na]⁻.

EXAMPLE 30

As a specific embodiment of an oral composition, 100 mg of the compound prepared as in Example 26 is formulated with sufficient finely divided lactose to provide a total amount of 580 to 590 mg to fill a size O hard gel capsule.

While the foregoing specification teaches the principles of the present invention, with examples provided for the purpose of illustration, it will be understood that the practice of the invention encompasses all of the usual variations, adaptations and/or modifications as come within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (II)

and enantiomers, diastereomers, hydrates, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters and amides thereof; wherein p is an integer selected from 1 or 2; R¹⁴ is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C₁₋₆alkyl; q is an integer selected from 0, 1 or 2; each R¹³ is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and halo; R¹¹ is —H or is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a); each R^(a) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, fluoro, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and —NR^(b)R^(c); R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(b) and R^(c) taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring, said ring optionally substituted with halo, —C₁₋₄alkyl, —OH, or —OC₁₋₆alkyl; R¹² is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a); alternatively, R¹¹ and R¹² taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(d); each R^(d) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₄alkyl, halo, —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —C₁₋₄alkylOH, and —NR^(e)R^(f); wherein R^(e) and R^(f) are independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl; comprising

reacting a compound of formula (XX); in a first organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXI), wherein L is a leaving group; and wherein the compound of formula (XXI) is not isolated;

reacting the compound of formula (XXI) with a compound of formula (XXII); in the presence of an organic or inorganic base; in a second organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIII); wherein the compound of formula (XXIII) is not isolated;

and reacting the compound of formula (XXIII) with a compound of formula (XXIV); in the presence of a reducing agent; in a third organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).
 2. A process as in claim 1, wherein the first organic solvent, the second organic solvent and the third organic solvent are the same.
 3. A process as in claim 1, wherein L is chloro.
 4. A process as in claim 1, further comprising reacting the compound of formula (II) to yield the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (II).
 5. A process as in claim 1 wherein p is 1; R¹⁴ is hydrogen; q is 0; and R¹¹ and R¹² are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound to form 4-morpholnyl.
 6. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (IIs)

or an enantiomer, diastereomer, hydrate, solvate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof; comprising

reacting a compound of formula (XXs); in a first organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIs), wherein L is a leaving group; and wherein the compound of formula (XXIs) is not isolated;

reacting the compound of formula (XXIs) with a compound of formula (XXII); in the presence of an organic or inorganic base; in a second organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIIIs); wherein the compound of formula (XXIIIs) is not isolated;

and reacting the compound of formula (XXIIIs) with a compound of formula (XXIVs); in the presence of a reducing agent; in a third organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (IIs).
 7. A process as in claim 6, wherein the first organic solvent, the second organic solvent and the third organic solvent are the same.
 8. A process as in claim 6, wherein L is chloro.
 9. A process as in claim 6, wherein the compound of formula (XXIIs) is present in an amount equal to about one equivalent.
 10. A process as in claim 6, wherein the compound of formula (XXIVs) is present in an amount greater than about one equivalent; and wherein the reducing agent is present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to about 2 equivalents.
 11. A process as in claim 6, further comprising reacting the compound of formula (IIs) to yield the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (IIs).
 12. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (II)

and enantiomers, diastereomers, hydrates, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters and amides thereof; wherein p is an integer selected from 1 or 2; R¹⁴ is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C₁₋₆alkyl; q is an integer selected from 0, 1 or 2; each R¹³ is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and halo; R¹¹ is —H or is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a); each R^(a) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, fluoro, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and —NR^(b)R^(c); R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(b) and R^(c) taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring, said ring optionally substituted with halo, —C₁₋₄alkyl, —OH, or —OC₁₋₆alkyl; R¹² is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a); alternatively, R¹¹ and R¹² taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(d); each R^(d) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₄alkyl, halo, —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —C₁₋₄alkylOH, and —NR^(e)R^(f); wherein R^(e) and R^(f) are independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl; comprising

reacting a compound of formula (XXIII) with source of bisulfite; in a polar organic solvent; to yield the corresponding bisulfite, the compound of formula (XXVII);

and reacting the compound of formula (XXVII) with a compound of formula (XXIV); in the presence of a reducing agent; in the presence of an organic or inorganic base; in an organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).
 13. A process as in claim 12, wherein the source of bisulfite is present in an amount greater than or equal to about one equivalent.
 14. A process as in claim 12, wherein the compound of formula (XXIV) is present in an amount greater than about one equivalent.
 15. A process as in claim 12, wherein the compound of formula (XXIV) is present in an amount greater than about 2 equivalents and wherein about one equivalent of the compound of formula (XXIV) acts as the organic or inorganic base.
 16. A process as in claim 12, wherein the compound of formula (XXVII) is isolated by filtration.
 17. A process as in claim 12, further comprising reacting the compound of formula (II) to yield the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (II).
 18. A process as in claim 12, wherein p is 1; R¹⁴ is hydrogen; q is 0; and R¹¹ and R¹² are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound to form 4-morpholnyl.
 19. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (II)

and enantiomers, diastereomers, hydrates, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters and amides thereof; wherein p is an integer selected from 1 or 2; R¹⁴ is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C₁₋₆alkyl; q is an integer selected from 0, 1 or 2; each R¹³ is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and halo; R¹¹ is —H or is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a); each R^(a) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, fluoro, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, and —NR^(b)R^(c); R^(b) and R^(c) are each independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl, or R^(b) and R^(c) taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring, said ring optionally substituted with halo, —C₁₋₄alkyl, —OH, or —OC₁₋₆alkyl; R¹² is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and 4- to 8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein each alkyl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(a); alternatively, R¹¹ and R¹² taken together with their nitrogen of attachment form a 5- to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring; wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring is optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents R^(d); each R^(d) substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₄alkyl, halo, —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —OH, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —C₁₋₄alkylOH, and —NR^(e)R^(f); wherein R^(e) and R^(f) are independently —H or —C₁₋₆alkyl; comprising

reacting a compound of formula (XXIII) with source of bisulfite; in a polar organic solvent; to yield the corresponding bisulfite, the compound of formula (XXVII);

reacting the compound of formula (XXVII) with an organic or inorganic base; in an organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIII);

and reacting the compound of formula (XXIII) with a compound of formula (XXIV); in the presence of a reducing agent; in an organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).
 20. A process as in claim 19, wherein the organic or inorganic base is present in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 equivalent.
 21. A process as in claim 19, wherein the compound of formula (XXIV) is present in an amount greater than or equal to about one equivalent; and wherein the reducing agent is present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to abut 2 equivalents.
 22. A process as in claim 19, wherein the compound of formula (XXVII) is isolated by filtration.
 23. A process as in claim 19, further comprising reacting the compound of formula (II) to yield the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (II).
 24. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (IIs)

or an enantiomer, diastereomer, hydrate, solvate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof; comprising

reacting a compound of formula (XXIIIs) with source of bisulfite; in a polar organic solvent; to yield the corresponding bisulfite, the compound of formula (XXVIIs);

and reacting the compound of formula (XXVIIs) with a compound of formula (XXIVs); in the presence of a reducing agent; in the presence of an organic or inorganic base; in an organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (IIs).
 25. A process as in claim 24, wherein the source of bisulfite is present in an amount greater than or equal to about one equivalent.
 26. A process as in claim 24, wherein the compound of formula (XXIVs) is present in an amount greater than about one equivalent.
 27. A process as in claim 24, wherein the compound of formula (XXIVs) is present in an amount greater than about 2 equivalents and wherein about one equivalent of the compound of formula (XXIVs) acts as the organic or inorganic base.
 28. A process as in claim 24, wherein the compound of formula (XVIIs) is isolated by filtration.
 29. A process as in claim 24, further comprising reacting the compound of formula (IIs) to yield the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (IIs).
 30. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (IIs)

or an enantiomer, diastereomer, hydrate, solvate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof; comprising

reacting a compound of formula (XXIIIs) with source of bisulfite; in a polar organic solvent; to yield the corresponding bisulfite, the compound of formula (XXVIIs);

reacting the compound of formula (XXVIIs) with an organic or inorganic base; in an organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXIIIs);

and reacting the compound of formula (XXIII) with a compound of formula (XXIV); in the presence of a reducing agent; in an organic solvent; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (II).
 31. A process as in claim 30, wherein the organic or inorganic base is present in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 equivalent.
 32. A process as in claim 30, wherein the compound of formula (XXIVs) is present in an amount greater than or equal to about one equivalent; and wherein the reducing agent is present in an amount in the range of from about 1 to abut 2 equivalents.
 33. A process as in claim 30, wherein the compound of formula (XXVIIs) is isolated by filtration.
 34. A process as in claim 30, further comprising reacting the compound of formula (IIs) to yield the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (IIs). 